Nicklaus, Sorenstam want to design Olympic course

DIGEST

Associated Press

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam, asked to be "global ambassadors" during golf's all-out sales pitch to be part of the Olympics, want to build the course in Brazil, where the Olympics will be played in 2016.

Nicklaus said he and Sorenstam have written a letter to the International Golf Federation requesting they be considered as architects of the first Olympic golf course since 1904.

"I think this is a very functional partnership," Nicklaus said. "I hope we can work a deal."

"There's not a public course in Brazil," said Nicklaus, who believes it is imperative for the public to have access to the golf course long after the Olympics leave Rio de Janeiro, "even if it's a resort."

Nicklaus said one potential site has been identified. If selected, he said he and Sorenstam would collaborate on the strategy of each hole - Nicklaus from championship tees for the men, Sorenstam with women in mind.

"I'll be surprised if they don't select us," Nicklaus said, "but I'm sure other people are interested."

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